51.43. In which cases are goods vehicles with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 t, tractors, self-propelled machines and mechanisms allowed to enter the far left lane on roads with three or more lanes in one direction?
UAУ яких випадках вантажним автомобілям із дозволеною максимальною масою понад 3,5 т, тракторам, самохідним машинам і механізмам дозволяється виїжджати на крайню ліву смугу на дорогах, що мають три і більше смуги для руху в одному напрямку?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns traffic safety and lane organization on multi-lane roads. For large and slower vehicles, it is important to choose the correct lane to avoid obstructing the flow and provoking dangerous maneuvers by other drivers. In the theoretical exam, such wording checks whether the driver understands that the far left lane on roads with three or more lanes in one direction is not a “regular” lane for certain categories of vehicles.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the positioning of vehicles on the carriageway, specifically the requirements of clause 11.6 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. The rule establishes exhaustive cases when trucks over 3.5 tons, tractors, self-propelled machines, and mechanisms are allowed to enter the far left lane: only for turning left or making a U-turn; and additionally, in populated areas on one-way roads — for stopping on the left in permitted places for loading or unloading. These are the two exceptions covered by the correct answer, which combines the relevant statements.
Analyzing the answer options helps avoid common mistakes in the theoretical exam: entering the far left lane for overtaking is not allowed for such vehicles, as clause 11.6 does not provide such an exception. Instead, the option for turning left and making a U-turn corresponds to the direct rule of the traffic regulations, and the option for stopping on the left is correct only under additional conditions: a populated area, one-way traffic, and no prohibition on stopping, specifically for the purpose of loading/unloading. In practice, this means that the truck driver must plan the maneuver in advance, but not use the left lane as a “fast” lane or for overtaking, so as not to violate the Traffic Rules of Ukraine or create dangerous situations.
Clause 11.6
On roads with three or more lanes in one direction, trucks with a permitted maximum weight of over 3.5 tons, tractors, self-propelled machines and mechanisms are allowed to enter the far left lane only for turning left or making a U-turn, and in populated areas on one-way roads, in addition, — for stopping on the left in permitted cases for loading or unloading.
This clause directly defines the exhaustive cases when the specified vehicles are allowed to occupy the far left lane on roads with three or more lanes in one direction: (1) for turning left or making a U-turn; (2) additionally, in populated areas on one-way roads — for stopping on the left in permitted cases for loading/unloading.
That is, the correct answer is "Answers 2 and 3.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the far left lane for such vehicles is allowed only for turning left/U-turn, and on one-way roads in populated areas also for stopping on the left for loading or unloading in permitted cases.
On roads where there are three or more lanes in one direction, there is a restriction for trucks with a permitted maximum weight of over 3.5 tons, as well as for tractors, self-propelled machines, and mechanisms: the far left lane is not an “ordinary” lane for driving. That is, these vehicles cannot enter it just to drive faster or to overtake the flow of traffic.
Clause 11.6 of the Traffic Rules sets clear exceptions when entering the far left lane is allowed for such vehicles. The first exception concerns performing a maneuver: when it is necessary to turn left or make a U-turn, the driver has the right to occupy the far left lane in order to safely prepare for the maneuver and perform it in accordance with markings and signs.
The second exception applies only in populated areas and only on one-way roads. In this situation, in addition to turning left and making a U-turn, it is also allowed to stop at the left edge of the carriageway, but only where stopping is not prohibited, and specifically for the purpose of loading or unloading. For example, if on a one-way street a warehouse or store has a goods receiving area on the left side, a truck may pull over to the left and stop to carry out these operations, if permitted by the rules.
Thus, the correct answer is "Answers 2 and 3," since the far left lane for such vehicles is allowed only for turning left/U-turns, and in a populated area on a one-way road also for stopping on the left for loading or unloading in permitted places.